Police Investigating After Home Invasion Suspect Dies In Custody

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EAST PITTSBURGH (KDKA) – Police are investigating after an alleged attempted home invasion suspect died while in police custody Tuesday night.

According to police, the suspect attempted to force his way into a home in the 500-block of Brinton Avenue around 9:50 p.m. The suspect also allegedly tried to assault the homeowner.

According to sources, police were actually called to the same area earlier in the evening. They found Gary Beto, 52, acting erratically. Having nothing to charge him with, they let him go, only to be called back for the reported home invasion.

KDKA’s Lynne Hayes-Freeland Reports:

Police arrived within minutes after the second 911 call. Officers used several, less than lethal tactics, including pepper spray to take Beto into custody.

“Struggled with the officers, fought them. They were able to eventually take him into custody. Shortly thereafter, he did go unconscious and was transported to a local area hospital, where he did die,” Allegheny County Police Lt. Andrew Schurman said.

KDKA’s Lynne Hayes-Freeland Reports:

The homeowner said Beto was walking around his car and then attempted to break in.

“He struck me across my shoulder here, the chest, and he was trying to gain entry into the home,” Dave Dininno said. “He screamed he didn’t want [any] trouble. Then took off running down to the next street.”

Dininno, with his wife inside and three children sleeping, took off after Beto.

“I, myself, I did chase after the gentleman. And I flagged police down at the corner and they basically took it from there,” Dininno said.

Allegheny County Police investigate anytime someone dies in custody. Detectives said they’re investigating the possibility that Beto was under the influence.

“His behavior, he was stumbling. You were able to tell he was definitely on something,” Dininno said.

Police said it could take several weeks for the results of the toxicology reports to come back.